Chile's Hidden Marble Caves Boast Dazzling Natural Colors On The Surface Of A Glacial Lake

General Carrera Lake sits in the heart of Patagonia, straddling the borders of two South American nations: Chile and Argentina. Also known as Buenos Aires Lake on the Argentinian side and by its indigenous name, Chelenko, the enormous body of water is fed by glacial runoff from the Andes Mountains. This makes the waters of General Carrera Lake crystal clear and deep blue, almost to the point of looking tropical. Along the western shore on the Chilean side of the lake is a sight that many tourists flock to see in the Patagonian summer (winter in the Northern Hemisphere); the Capilla de Mármol or Catedral de Mármol (which translates to Chapel or Cathedral of Marble) is one of the most mesmerizing places on Earth.

In English, this tremendous natural structure is often called the Marble Caves, and it is located in the isolated heart of Chilean Patagonia. Over the course of 6,000 years, this series of caverns (made of calcium carbonate and other minerals) was cut by glacial waters into a network of colorful spires and spindles that make for a dazzling viewing experience. The ice cream-like patterns on the mottled marble are unlike anything you've ever seen, even on the nicest kitchen countertops. But, before you can properly experience the Marble Caves, you need to know how to get there!

The Marble Caves are located in the Aysén Region of southern Chile, further south than the Patagonian Lakes District. Being over 1,100 miles by car from Santiago, Chile's capital and one of the best South American cities for solo travelers, you could hardly expect to enjoy making the 29-hour car journey unless you're up for creating your own Top Gear-style special. Instead, those looking for easier access to the Marble Caves will first have to fly into Santiago and then catch another flight to Balmaceda, which is the closest airport to the caves.

From Balmaceda, you can rent a car and head south through the mountains to the port town of Puerto Rio Tranquilo. This journey to the western side of General Carrera Lake will take over three hours, but you will spend virtually all of it on Chile's famous Route 7, also known as the Carretera Austral, through the gorgeous Patagonian mountains. Keep in mind, however, that much of this highway is not paved. It would behoove you to rent a car with some decent traction and off-road capabilities.

A small town that bustles with tourists in the summer, Puerto Rio Tranquilo has numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants that will soothe your weary body after that long journey on the Carretera Austral. This will prepare you for the amazing visit you will have to the Marble Caves come morning.

Owing to the extreme topography of the area, the only way to access the Marble Caves is by boat. There are a few ways you can do this. First, if you are an active person, you can rent a kayak or book a kayaking tour from numerous travel companies in town. It takes roughly 30 minutes to paddle from Puerto Tranquilo to the Marble Caves. When you make it, you will be rewarded with a truly personal experience with the colorful marble. The glittering glacial waters make the experience all the richer, as they reflect their light onto the marble above.

Another option is to take a motorized tour boat to the caves with a touring company like Civitatis. These boats are relatively small, which means that you will have access to the caves, but not nearly as intimately as you would if you were kayaking. Still, these trips are a great option for those who want to see the Marble Caves but are less active or unable to kayak there themselves.

Many who travel to Chile find it to be a budget-friendly country that offers tons of chances for adventures. When combined with access to numerous Argentinean and Chilean national parks with beautiful scenery, a trip to Patagonia is always going to be worth the effort of getting there — especially if you take the time to explore the Capilla de Mármol.